Llais Llafur

YSTRADGYNLAIS NOTES A wedding of local interest took place at hmtardawe on .Saturday when Loc.-eorpi. Dan Williams, South Wales Borderers, son of Mr. and Mrs Levi Williams, Glanley-terra-ce, Ys- tradgynlais, was married to Miss Annie Jenkins, daughter of Mr. Dd. Jenkins, and the late Mrs. Jenkins, Glanley- terraoe. The bride was accompanied by her brother, Mr. John Jenkins, who ge her away, whilst the bridegroom was aeoompamod by his father. Owing to a reoent bereavement in the bride's family, tile ceremony was a quiet one. Loe.-oorpl. Williams, who has been in France tor two years and seven months joined up in the early days of the war. He returned to France on Tuesday evening with the best wishes of hi. j •many friends. The local branch of the Alltwen and Pontardawe Co-operative Society has been doing well under the manage- ment of Mr. Dd. Jones. The taking for II the last quarter have been over £3,000 1 or RZ34 in exoess of the taking of the previous quarter. Pte. J. Almrott, of the Gloucester Qegt., son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffreys, the Emporium, has been home for a short reist. He h:\s wen two years' fiervioe in Franco and lias lately knf; undergoing treatment at a Bris- tol Hospital after being passed. He llas now recovered stiiliciej, t iy to re- ¡I join his unit. Prior to j« iiiing the forces Pte. Almrott was manager at the lociii branch of Messrs. Eastman's Ltd. I There was a good attendanoe at the Church Schoolroom on Friday evening last when Ptos. Sidney James, Chas. Melling, and W. Hatter, were wel- comed by the local reception commit- tee. The Rev. Jas. Jones, B.A., rec- tor, presided, and the presentations I • were mado by Mr. Wm. Griffiths, Oae'rbont, supported by the Rev. E. V aughn; Miss Ceridwen Jones and one of her pupils introduced the pro- gramme with a pianoforte duet, after which the following artistes took part: ,,iSoloist,b. AIisses Maria Philips, Mary Evans, Bessie Jeffreys, Mrs. John Ed- wards, Mr. D. O. Jones and Mrs. John Waiters. Elocutionists, Master Cynlais Davies, Masters Dd. Williams, and Mr Wm. Griffiths. Miss Ceridwen Jones and Miss Mary Jones were the accom- panists. A numlier of local men have been called up from the district for medical examination under the National Ser- vice Scheme at Brecon. An amusing experience occurred to a party en route to Aberhonddu on Tuesday. Dan and Will, two of the party, were going respectively to join up and to have a.n interview. In the excitement at the station Dan was given a return pass in error. Will, who had to pay his own expenses arranged that as the error had been made they should dSWOp" tickets, so that he could re- turn on Dan's warrant, and that they should "drink the difference" at Brecon. The tickets were examined at Cradoc by the guard and Will and Dan were both congratulating themselves on the (success of their deeply laid plat when the sttitionmaster arrived and explained that the error in issue had been detected at Ystradgynlais. The ticket was collected and Will had to pay his own expenses home. The dis- comfiture of "Ni'n Doi" can be better imagined than described. A public meeting was held at the GK-urch Schoolroom, Ystradgynlais, on Monday evening to consider the ques- tion of providing the place with a burial ground. The rector (Rev. Jas. Jones. B.A.) occupied the chair. After •considerable discussion it was eventu- al! v decided that a deputation consist- ing of the Rev. D. J. Davies, Thos. Thomas (cheekweigher), Lewis Thomas (Breoon-road), and T. Williams (Lon- don House), should appear before the Parish Council to urge them to take immediate steps towards providing the place with a suitable burial ground. The death took place on Thursday of Mrs. Cecilia Gould, Glanrhyd, wife of Mr. T. Gould, who is now on sea. The funeral took place oil Tuesday at the local churchyard, the Rev. Jas. x Jones, B.A., officiating. The arrange- ments were in the hands of Mr. Win. Jones. Pte. Ali. Richards, Northumberland Fusiliers, who has been in Franoe for 23 months, and has since been in hos- pital under treatment, has been home at Penrhos on leave. He joined the colours in October, 1914. Seaman Horace Marke, Gladstone- terrace, has also been on furlough. On Saturday last Pee. W. H. Powell (Garrison Artillery) whoso home is at Cwmgiedd, came home on four days' I draft leave. Pte. Powell, who is at.. tached as a signaller to the Garrison Artillery, was formerly employed as a weigher at the New Diamond Colliery. The Ystradgynlais Cymmrodorioa Society, under the oonductorship of Air. Wm. Thomas (Isynys) is busy re- hearsing "Die Shon Dafydd," the popular Welsh drama, for performance at an early date. We wwidd particularly draw atten- tion to the special picture to be shown at the Cinema on Friday night, Feb. 1st, by courtesy of Messrs. Edwards and Page, when the proceeds will be devoted to the Derwen Bridge Fund. This bridge, the utility of which has now been proved, was brought into existence by the labours of a few, who are now anxious to clear the financial obligations arising out of the erection of the bridge. "My Old Dutch," one of the best films yet screened, featur- ing Edward Chevalier, will be shown, and an excellent programme of pic- tures will be provided. Owing to the exceptionally bad weather pulmonary complaints are much in evidence in the district, and some of the schools are still closed in consequence. j The collieries this week have shown but little improvement, and "stop trucks" is the order of the day. We are pleased to report that a rumour that has been circulated to the effect that Pte. F. W. Phillips, of the Household Guards, formerly of the staff of the Cynlais Schools, had been killed in action, is entirely without foundation, and that Pte. Phillips is its well as ever. His oiowr, Miss Nellie Phillips, who is with the W.A.A.C., has come home on leave this week looking well. I Mr. Dan Jones, one time heavy- weight champion, has joined up with the colours, and will be posted to either the motor transport service or to the carrier-pigeon section. He has the best wishes of a host of friends. Jones left for Brecon on Tuesday, J We understand that there is a cer- tain amount of misconception in the minds of some of the public regard- ing the aims of the "Wer Emergency Fund," and it may be useful to ex- plain that this fund has been estab- lished to assist the dependants of sol- diers and sailors in eases of emergen- cy, where Government separation al- lowance is totally inadequate, or where no Government grant is made. The funds aro now in a serious con- dition, in fact almost totally depleted, and an effort, is to be made to raise money by means of a concert to be held at the Drill Hall, on Feb. 7th, for which tickets are now on sale. It is earnestly hoped that all who can will show their sympathy with the cause bV purchasing at least one tic- ket. Owing, presumably, to the short notice given, there was a poor attend- ance at the mart at Ystradgynlais on Tuesday, when only two cows and two calves were offered for sale. Mr. J. E. Williams, Ystradgynlais, was the auctioneer. It is to bo hoped that local butchers and farmers wiU attend regularly at t-hm mart, which is to be held fort nightly.

W. A. WILLTAMS, Phrenologist, can be consulted daily at the Victoria Arcade (noar the Market), Swansea. >

"BELSHAZZAR'S FEAST." EXCELLENT PERFORMANCES AT YSTRADGYNLAIS The Cinema, Ystradgynlais, was well filled on both Wednesday and Thursday evening, when the Taber- nacle Choir, under the conduct-orship of Mr Edgar 0. Morgan, gave two very commendable performances of Root's "Belshaaaar's Feast." The choir was in good form, and the blend big of the voices, together with the uniform movement left notthing to be desired. The sopranos and bassets were exceptionally well marked for their richness of tone whilst the contraltos and tenors acquitted themselves with credit. The performances were given n full character, and the gorgeous dresses of the East were worn and produced with true Oriental effect. The aoting W<3B of a high order, all the artistes and cholir talking their parts with naturalness and ease. Messrs. Edwards and Page are also deserving of special mention for the pains they took in producing excellent scenic and limelight effects that great- ly enhancod the beauty of the whole production. The writing on the wall was produced with impressive effect., The feast was also a masterpiece in the way in which it was laid, being most suggestive of Biblical times; in- deed the whole work was given, with wonderful faithfulness to the Bible storv. The vairious scenes were as follows: The palaoe hall, the Queen's apart- ment, Jewish place of assembly, the Walls of Babylon, the Feast, Jewish quarters, evening devotions, Jewish place of worship, the interpretation, the Camp of Cyrusi aind within the City. Belshazza, King of Babylon, was ad- mirably impersonated by Mr D. 0. Jones, who is to be highly compli- mented on both Iris acting and sing- ing. Miss Mary Evans, as Nitrocue, the Queen, fully upheld the excellent reputation sh e has as a* soprano solo- ist. Dajniel, a part performed by Mr John Walters, left nothing to be de- sired, and Mr Walters enhanced the excellent reputation he gained in his performance of "Joseph" a year ago. Atiss Gwen Lewis, as a Lady of the Court, and a Jewish maiden, Mr Tom Williams, a Lord of the Court; Mr Wm. Thomas, as Hananiah, Mr Ivor Beynon as the High Priest, and Miss Ceinwan Prothesroe as the Angel, to- gether with the companions of Daniel, the Jews, the Chaldeans, and: the soldiers, all performed with an ease and graoo that was suggestive of pro- fessional. The quintette, "0 HoQy and Most High," was also a feature of I the performance. The choir was fully worthy of the reputation that the Tabernacle choir I has earned, and so ably retained for maniy years, and it is safe to prophesy that this is not the last occasion upon which this pretty operatta. will be performed in the district. The grand finale, "Magnify, Glorify," was a fitting end too a work so well staged and produced, and Mr Edgar O. Mor- gan, the able conductor of the choir is deserving of the highest praise for his painFtalcijLg labours with the choir that have been so amply rewarded. Mr Morgan has done credit to himself on other ooeasions, both as a conductor of perettas, and as a trainer for cynvanfaoedd caaru, and this occasion has but served to enhence the reputa- t-ion he has gained by years of hard work. The orchestra, tinder the capable oonductorship of Air Llewelyn Wil- liams, A.C. V., proved of valuable as sistamqe to the choir, and its work was praiseworthy. The overture at the oommencement was very well rendered. In the unavoidable absence of Dr. Walsh, County Councillor T. Prosser JoneS presided on Wednesday night, I whilst Mr J. D. Morgan, J.P., Miners' Agent, acted in a similar capacity on Thursday evening. The leaaexns of the fall of Babylon appeal to one with special significance at the present time, as the story is also a prophesy vindicating the cause of right over vice and national sin. Hie Tabemaole Choir cam rest as- sured that they have richly deserved the praise given on all hands to their performance, and it is to be hoped that the operatta will be staged with equal wuooasn elsewhere. I L ■

Government tractors ploughed 231, 600 acres between the middle of Aug. and Jan. 12. Lord Rhondda (says "Tit-Bits") was the wonder of his oollege when at Cam- bridge, for he could work and yet he was a fine athlete. He was light- weight champion and a splendid swim- mer, and on one oocasion saved a friend from drowning. As Food Con- troller he has a great admiration for careful housekeepers. "Late one Satur- day afternoon lately ho went into Cardiff t < ,;4- lioa- the housewives' shepping progressed With hiB soft hat well pulled down over his eyee, no one knew that the Food Controller was seeing for himself how the house keep- era were 'carrying on.'

MOTHER OF 25 CHILDREN. When Rosina Flutter* married, aged 45, and the mother of 25 children, in- cluding five pairs of twins, summoned Thomas Rigby, munition worker, for alleged assault at Chertsey, she ad- mitted she had an Infatuation for Rig- by, and had sent him letters which she now described as a lot of rubbish. She said she received a solicitor's let- ter asking her to cease her unwcloome attentions. Both parties were bound over.

Watts Jones. All Remaining Millinery 21- «** Blouses, Ladies' and Children's Underclothing at Ridiculous Prices SEE WINDOWS. DOORS OPEN 9.30 A.M. OXFORD STREET, SWANSEA.

miAIIYIILAil NUIE a Thursday.-Before Messrs G. H. Strick (presiding), Owen Powell, and Dd. Williams. THE NEW INSPECTOR. Before the business of the court com- menced," Mr. G. H. Strick congratu- lated Inspeotor T. Evans on his pro- motion, and said he was very pleased to see him amongst them once more. Messrs. Owen Powell and Dd. Williams also associated themselves with the remarks of the chairman. DESTROYED EACH OTHER'S LITERATURE. Edward Ellward, Glanrhyd, Ystrad- gynlais, was ummoned by his wife, Mary Ellward, for persistent cruelty, upon whioh grounds &he.aou ht a separation. Mr. W. Jones-Williams was for the prosecutrix. The case had I been adjourned from the previous court, but Mr. Jones-Williams said that despite every effort on his part he had been unable to effect a re- I conciliation. Complainant persisted in her pre- vious statement, to the effect that she would not again live with her hus- band. He was a haulier at Yniesoed- wyn Colliery earning on an average jB3 10s. a week. She had only one child, aged 2 years and four months.:] ¡ Mrs. Marshall, Ammanford, sister of the complainant, gave evidence to the effect that defendant was extremely jealous, and had pinched his wife viciously on several occasions. Mr. W. Jones-Williams said he could I call Mrs. Ellward's mother, who could give evidence of an admission made I by defendant to her. Mr. Strick: You had better leave I mothers-in-law out of it. Defendant in the box denied all alle- gations of cruelty. He said his wife had neglected him, causing him to have to go to his mother's for meals. On one Sunday he had seen her read- ing a novel on the couch, and he tore the book from her, whereupon she destroyed a copy of the "News of the World" he had bought. Mr. Taylor (interposing) You de- stroyed each others' literature then. Defendant further said his wife had left him of her own accord, and had thrown her rings on the table. After a lengthy hearing their wor- ships decided to make a maintenance order for 27s.6d., which could be varied if necessary. Mr. Jones-Williams said he had a novel application to make. He desired the return of complainant's wedding rings as they were really her propetty. Defendant: She can have them now; thy are no good to me. Mr. Jones-Williams was also allowed advocate's fee. Albert Pritchard was fined 5s. for not sending his child to school. Mr. Tom Williams, the attendanoe officer said this was the first offence. I.

SHELL SHOCK COWS. That his oows were goffering from shell shock, and that the milk was sold exactly as it came from the animals was the defence of a Kentish farmer oharged with adulteration. He was fined JE8 3s. with costs.

-———? i I DAILY COST OF THE. WAR. Mr. Bonar Law stated in the Com- mons that, taking the figures of the Exchequer issues, the daily average amount of national expenditure during the seven weeks ended January 19 was £ 7,517,000. The average daily expendi- ture under the Vote of Credit waa £ 6,368,000.

TREBANOS On Friday evening a recept-ion was held &t Goaen, in honour of Signaller Arthur Williama. youngest son of Mr Wm. Williams, Maesgwyn, Trebanos. Signaller Williams was home on leave from Franoe, after being in many hard fights during the last year. The Rev. D. G. Richards presided, sup- ported by the Rev. D. G. Rees, Messrs. D. Thomas and Dd. Roderick, Clydach. A mwcellaaieous concert was provided by the following artistes, —Songs, Mrs. Hodge, Miss Pitt and Miss Ethel Jones, Messrs. Dl. Morris, Wm. William, John Davies, Teddy Josiah Lloyl; recitations, Messrs. J. J Williams, DI. Morgan Bowen, Banos Davies. Penillio-n were sung by Miss Gwen WilHams. Signaller Williams was presented with treasury notes by the chairman, on behalf of the Reception Committee, and the recipient suitably responded. Speeches were delivered by the Rev. D. G. Rees, Mossn. D. Thomas, D. Roderick, Thomas Lloyd, John Hop- kin. The meeting terminated by sing- ing "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" by Mr D. Davies. On Monday another reoeption was held at Gosen, this time to weloocms home Pte. David Evans, eldest son of Mr and Mrs. Wm. Evans New road, who has been in France for many months serving through most of the recent big pushes. Pte. Evant3 acts as a stretcher bearer, a very hazardous task alloted to some of our boys at the front. Mr Charles Jones presided being supported by Rev. D. G. Rich- ards, and Mr David Roderick, Clyd- ach. On behalf of the Reception Com- mittee, the chairman presented Pte. Evans with the usual gift of treasury notes, and he suitably responded. These gifts are ver highly appreciated by the boys, especially when a crowd- ed audience oome to show their ap- preciation of the sacrifices made by them, in different quarters of the globe. During the evening the following popular artistes took part: Songs, Missee M. Davies, Ceinwen Davies, R A. Bowen, Lizzie E. Williams, Messrs. Wm. Williams, David Davies, B. Davies, Joaiah Lloyd, John Davies, Teddy Morgan, Mr Lewis Williams and party. Recita.tiona, Messrs. J. J Williams, DI. Bowen, Mrs. John, Misses C A' Llovd, R. A. Bowen, G. Thomas, Ada Williams. Winnie Mor- gan, Cdssie WiUiaansi and Baroos Davies. At the close "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" was sung y Mr Daniel Morris.

LORD RHONDDA AND MINERS. At the Ministry of Food on WTednes- day afternoon, Lord Rhondda received a deputation from the South Wales Miners' Federation, who complained of the shortage. of food and asked for better distribution and for immediate rationing in areas and not in districts. They also asked that meat, baoon, cheese, and jam should be rationed. Lord Rhondda said he agreed that rationing schemes should be carried out over large areas, and he was anxious to see a uniform scheme for South Wales. Local food committees had power to oommandeer margarine, and an order would shortly be issued giving them power to commanderr other foods. In any scheme of ration- ing all engaged in heavy manual work I would get special consideration. He hoped to be able to give the consumer a 50 per oent. higher food value in his rations than was the case in Germany. The miners thanked Lord Rhondda, and said the workers would give him all the support in their power.